Photo of NMC President and CEO Andrew Mosker (left), TD’s Senior Vice President (middle) and Alberta Region Head Robert Ghazal, and David McLeod, Chair of NMC’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee (right) / Photo by Keith Driver
Before shovels broke ground and what is known as Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre located in Calgary, Alberta, in 2014, TD Bank has been supporting the Centre’s mission to promote and preserve Canada’s rich musical heritage
On June 26, TD renewed its commitment to the Centre through a donation of $750 thousand towards its Indigenous artist program, Ohsoto’kino, a Blackfoot phrase meaning “to recognize a voice of”.
This is done through two recording bursaries for a traditional and contemporary artist, which offer a week of studio time at Studio Bell to produce a commercial release.
Another program is the 5-day incubator, where Indigenous artists receive coaching and take part in workshops with industry professionals to aid them in their journey as artists.
Juno-winning Traditional Cree Artist Joel Wood, who took part in the program when it first launched in 2020, shared how the investment is a signal of Indigenous artists being seen.
In 2024, Edmonton Métis Singer-Songwriter Kaeley Jade took part in a 5-day Indigenous Artist Incubator. Jade performed at the announcement and spoke about her experience during the
Since Ohsoto’kino music bursary was first launched, there have been 66 artists and counting, as the program is in its fourth year.
Accompanying Ohsoto’kino is the Centre’s Speak Up! gallery, which has highlighted 32 Indigenous artists who are not just recognized for their contributions to their community, and is curated by David McCloud, Chair of the Centre’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee, who updates the gallery annually.
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